According to The Independent, a recent poll taken by OnePoll and Evite has revealed some shocking and somewhat depressing news – the average American only has about 16 true friends.

With 2,000 respondents being engaged for a brief survey about their circle of friends and personal relationships, the sample size proved substantial enough to ask some serious questions. It turns out that things on the friendship front may, in fact, not be as great as they appear at first glance.

And it isn’t just the (low) number of real friends that might surprise you. The average American also hasn't made a new friend in five years, according to OnePoll and Evite.

The excuses of those surveyed hinged around a few central themes: time constraints, a dying social life, and other obligations.

“I don't have any hobbies where I meet new people,” was another common answer, while some less socially adept survey respondents confessed, “I'm too shy.”

At least part of the problem facing the longstanding tradition of the great American friendship is the introduction and spread of social media. Social media seems to be a great way to replace traditional friendship and an environment where one might boast thousands upon thousands of Facebook friends and Instagram followers. However, in reality, many spend Friday nights alone eating fried chicken and drinking discount beer.

The good news is there is a way to push back, according to professional party animal Pierra Pizzo of Evite. On making new friends, Pizzo told KLAQ “For the 45 percent who are looking to make new friends, the best and most underrated way to do that these days is still in-person.” Pizzo added “You can host a party, or something more low-key like a book club or happy hour, and tell each of your guests to bring a friend. You'll be surprised at how naturally social circles can come together, and at the lasting connections you can make when bonding face-to-face.”

If you care at all about increasing your number of real friends, it might be best to put down the smartphone and go out for a beer once in a while. For others, however, 16 friends might be more than enough.